After a sell out first year for their Classically Black event, Black Lives in Music are looking forward to their follow up this Saturday at King’s Place.
It also marks the 5th Anniversary of Black Lives in Music, which was set up to address racial inequality in the music industry and create opportunities for Black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians and professionals.
Classically Black was founded by BLiM in 2024, with the intention of showcasing new talent with commissions that draw upon heritage while looking into the future. All performed by musicians who are often erased in classical spaces.
“Classically Black is fast becoming a landmark event in the classical music calendar.,” says Roger Wilson, Director of Operations from Black Lives in Music, “The sector still has much to do to address the many names and faces missing from its history. There are still many artists and composers who remain largely unheard of despite their prolific output and high quality work.
Black Lives in Music
We’re not only commemorating those better known Black and global majority classical artists, but, as importantly, we’re celebrating faces and names of the present and looking forward to future talent. We’re exploring the challenges faced by so many in their efforts to navigate the classical music pathway while challenging the narrative around the definition of classical music and what it means to modern, multicultural, cosmopolitan 21st century society.
Classically Black is for everyone – whether you think you know about classical music or whether you simply want to hear a wider range of voices as part of the music you love.”
The event itself will be pushing at the boundaries of classical, reimagining it from a point of view of pride and cultural truth, as well as excellence. Some highlights include:
New Works: From Classical To Hip Hop
An afternoon session, opening with a keynote from Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason and moves through a range of powerful musical expressions, from the rich, expressive works of Louise Farrenc and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, performed by the Sabi Ensemble, to the innovative fusion of Simmy Singh, whose violin and electronics blend classical, jazz, folk and experimental sound worlds. The Jollof House Party Opera serves up a spicy mix of opera and hip-hop in a high-energy, hybrid performance. Co-produced by Music Theatre Wales and FIO, this is opera, but not as you know it.
Sister Are Doing It For Themselves
A powerful panel discussion exploring the lived experiences of Black and global majority women working within the classical music industry today. Moderated by Paulette Bayley (Sub Principal Second Violinist, The Hallé), the conversation brings together a compelling panel of performers and creatives, including Carol Lemming (flute and Resident Music Therapist, Manchester Camerata), Amanda Baldwin (mezzo soprano, Royal Ballet and Opera chorister), and Rianna Henriques (wind instrumentalist).
Experience the future of classical music as rising stars take the spotlight for this showcase in partnership with Warner Classics. This inspiring performance showcases talented artists from underrepresented backgrounds, each bringing a bold, fresh perspective to the genre.
Children & Young People’s Music Workshop Performance
For younger folk, this sharing session marks the finale of a series of closed workshops exploring music-making and self-expression, led by acclaimed Black British composer Pete Letanka.
Black Lives in Music
And then there will be a night which will celebrate fives years of Black Lives in Music, hosted by the legendary DJ Spoony, featuring live performances from Kele Le Roc, Lifford, MC Ranking, MC Viper, Thomas Jules and Romina Johnson.
The team says, ‘Expect UK Garage and classic hits for a night of energy, joy, and pure musical excellence. It’s our way of saying thank you for your support, creativity, and community over the years.
Classically Black is more than a festival – it is part of a wider cultural movement, amplifying underrepresented voices and reshaping classical music across the UK. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t and this is about changing that.’
Classically Black will take place at Kings Place in London on Saturday 18th October. Produced by BLiM, and sponsored by ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), Warner Classics and the Arts Council.
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